Houston - Places for children

Houston has an abundance of places for children suiting every budget and all kinds of weather conditions. An excellent place to gain knowledge about such places, inspiration and prices, is the Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Katy Mills Mall 5000 Katy Mills Circle Katy, Texas 77494 USA Tel: + 1 (281) 644 5000 (Mall office) Go to one of their booths or call for information. A visit is recommended as you can visualize some of the suggestions, but at least call and obtain seasonal opening times, prices for entry and any seasonal changes.

Children's Museum of Houston A fabulous museum and amenity for children ranging from hands-on discovery to fantastic displays offering a great place for a day out. Binz, Houston

Kemah Waterfront, KemahSituated on the Galveston Bay, this is a great place to visit, with an attractive but slightly over commercialised boardwalk, bordered by various restaurants and shops. Especially pretty taking into account its lights at Christmas.

Moody Gardens, Galveston An imaginative and magical experience for children combining scientific and natural mysteries including an aquarium and tropical paradise. The site includes theater and cinema arenas, a beach and a hotel. website: www.moodygardens.com/

Rain Forest Cafe Any child enjoys a visit or a birthday bash at this popular and imaginatively themed restaurant to either visit for a meal or snack or as a break from shopping. Katy Mills Mall, Katy

Space Center An experience not to be missed during your time in Houston, for you and the children!! An interactive and live view of the historical and modern attributes of this amazing venue in Houston. Allow plenty of visit time and if your children are of appropriate age, check out the costs for seasonal or yearly admission deals. Houston, NASA Road

Six Flags Astro World A themed park with some 32 rides that keeps older children well amused, again check seasonal membership to your advantage. Houston , Kirby Drive

Splashtown Houston's largest water park featuring some 35 water parks, open during the summer, a good place for children to cool off during those hot summer months. Spring, I-45 North

ZooAn excellent, if a little dated, manageable outing for younger children. Again: if you live in the vicinity, check the membership details. The usual array of hire buggys is available and an interesting area of pet animals and play area is available for younger children. Houston, North Macgregor Drive

Christmas illuminationsThese can be downtown - ranging from Christmas decor in the Galleria to the Christmas parade downtown to the popular Pecan Grove neighbourhood tours or Lights in ther Heights close to downtown. Obviously taking place during the Christmas period.

Carols in the ParkThese take place within sub-divisions and parks, ask a neighbour what happens in your area.

Nature reserves and parks An abundant collection of parks and nature reserves are situated in and around Houston. The best way of researching ones suitable to your particular taste is the Houston section of the bookshops and libraries where there are good day trip selections, as well as the Texas Magazines available at book and grocery stores for more ideas.